School Groups Pleased by Democratic Upsets

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

Last week's surprisingly strong Democratic electoral results may give President Clinton's education agenda a boost, but observers are quick to note that Republicans will still lead--and have control over education policy--in the new Congress.

The midterm elections had offered the GOP the opportunity to secure a larger majority in Congress. But an unpredictable electorate instead gave Democrats the votes to gain five seats in the House and hold their ground in the Senate.

Without the expected Republican gains, next year's federal education policy battles are likely to echo ones over school construction, teacher hiring, and education tax credits that the...